Former Miss Spain ‘Comes Out’ As Lesbian

Former Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez has made pageant history by becoming the first openly gay professional beauty queen.

The 24-year-old stunner, who was crowned Miss Spain in 2008 and 2013, ‘came out’ as a lesbian to fans last week (ends22Aug14) by sharing a photo of herself in bed with her DJ girlfriend, Vanesa Cortes, and captioning the shot, “Romeo and Julliet (sic)”. The image has garnered more than 7,200 ‘likes’ online.

She has since defended her decision to address her sexuality in public, telling Spanish newspaper La Opinion de Tenerife, “I do not regret what I did because I’m thrilled with what is happening to me.” She has also reached out to her Instagram followers to express her gratitude for their support, simply writing a message which translates to, “Thanks to all for your comments”.

The news emerges a year after Rodriguez landed the runner-up prize at the Miss Universe competition in Moscow, Russia, where government officials have come under fire for their controversial anti-gay legislation.